cognitive manufacturing

Hyper-complex production meets cognitive computing. Electronics manufacturing is surrounded by continuous complexity. Executives face rising resource costs in traditionally low-cost production markets. They must address increasing customization, shorter lead times, frequently changing requirements and shrinking order sizes – all while managing a sophisticated supply network. They need to examine automation potential and maintain critical institutional knowledge. Thinner margins and increased competition threaten consistent quality, risk greater downtime and reduce desired flexibility. Investments in new equipment and automation systems are increasing the amount of data available from the shop floor, but most is not used to its full potential. Now, cognitive manufacturing is transforming production to address such complexity.

How do manufacturers get beyond the obstacles and barriers to increase cognitive
manufacturing maturity? The obstacles encountered by our respondents are tied to
organizational maturity. Overcoming them is fundamental to increase cognitive
manufacturing success.
In this report, we’ll first describe cognitive computing and how it gives rise to cognitive
manufacturing. Then, we’ll review specific study findings and recommend actions for
electronics executives.

What defines cognitive manufacturing maturity? Our study found three stages of cognitive
manufacturing maturity. We call those organizations in the earliest stage Observers, followed
by Starters and Actives, respectively. These groups differ on two key characteristics: the
presence of an overall strategy for cognitive manufacturing, and degree of strategic execution
of multiple projects that enable higher project success and significantly fewer failed projects.
Strategy is the crucial enabler of higher maturity.
How do manufacturers get beyond the obstacles and barriers to increase cognitive
manufacturing maturity? The obstacles encountered by our respondents are tied to
organizational maturity. Overcoming them is fundamental to increase cognitive
manufacturing success.
In this report, we’ll first describe cognitive computing and how it gives rise to cognitive
manufacturing. Then, we’ll review specific study findings and recommend actions for
electronics executives.

IBM has a unique position in the marketplace, with cognitive platforms and services, industry-specific offerings and expert consulting to support electronics companies.
To understand how the electronics industry is applying cognitive computing to manufacturing, the IBM Institute for Business Value surveyed 140 electronics executives around the world and across all industry subsectors. We found that a core group of early adopters has kicked off a new generation of production success with cognitive manufacturing and show greater returns on investment (ROI) with increased productivity. Our analysis answers some important questions.

How do manufacturers get beyond the obstacles and barriers to increase cognitive
manufacturing maturity? The obstacles encountered by our respondents are tied to
organizational maturity. Overcoming them is fundamental to increase cognitive
manufacturing success.
In this report, we’ll first describe cognitive computing and how it gives rise to cognitive
manufacturing. Then, we’ll review specific study findings and recommend actions for
electronics executives.